Microplastics removal strategies: A step toward finding the solution

Microplastics are an emerging threat and a big challenge for the environment. The presence of microplastics (MPs) in water is life-threatening to diverse organisms of aquatic ecosystems. Hence, the scientific community is exploring deeper to find treatment and removal options of MPs. Various physical, chemical and biological methods are researched for MPs removal, among which few have shown good efficiency in the laboratory. These methods also have a few limitations in environmental conditions. Other than finding a suitable method, the creation of legal restrictions at a governmental level by imposing policies against MPs is still a daunting task in many countries. This review is an effort to place all effectual MP removal methods in one document to compare the mechanisms, efficiency, advantages, and disadvantages and find the best solution. Further, it also discusses the policies and regulations available in different countries to design an effective global policy. Efforts are also made to discuss the research gaps, recent advancements, and insights in the field.

Automated summary

Microplastics are a growing threat to the environment, especially in water ecosystems. Scientists are researching various methods to remove microplastics, but there are limitations to their efficiency and applicability in different environmental conditions. Additionally, implementing governmental policies and regulations against microplastics remains a challenging task. This review aims to provide an overview of effective microplastic removal methods, compare their mechanisms and limitations, and discuss global policies and regulations. The review also highlights research gaps and recent advancements in the field.